The VISES of Garage Journal

ShadowRuleZ · Dec 31, 2013

bluebolt said:
is there any lettering on the other side of the vise? Does the number correspond to the jaw width? I.E. if its a 140 is it 4" jaws and if a 150 5" jaws?

I don't recall how they were marked number wise anymore, just the star with the N in the middle. I'll have to see if they made the move to the new building and if I have access to them. They were in the dynos before so I was able to see them during an open house, I can't normally get in there.

coma13 · Dec 31, 2013

You jerks are the reason I can't find a decent heavy bench vise to save my life!

PCO6 · Dec 31, 2013

Sorry about that. Good luck in the New Year!

wrenchguy · Dec 31, 2013

bigcaddy said:
I thought that star was something out of PA. Something to do with Bethlehem Steel?

maybe Nazareth pa. ?

Outlawmws · Dec 31, 2013

coma13 said:
You jerks are the reason I can't find a decent heavy bench vise to save my life!

Ya gotta be quick! :3gears:

ritzblitz · Dec 31, 2013

coma13 said:
You jerks are the reason I can't find a decent heavy bench vise to save my life!

I can sell you one..

jrsmyd · Dec 31, 2013

coma13 said:
You jerks are the reason I can't find a decent heavy bench vise to save my life!

Are you near STL?

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4241640953.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4226168049.html

Get movin! :3gears:

coma13 · Dec 31, 2013

ritzblitz said:
I can sell you one..

Oh really?

jrsmyd said:
Are you near STL?

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4241640953.html

Get movin!

I wish! I'm out in California, so I don't think it's gonna happen! Haha

EOC_Jason · Dec 31, 2013

coma13 said:
I wish! I'm out in California, so I don't think it's gonna happen! Haha

Man, there are TONS of vises listed on eBay located in California, also just browse your Craigslist daily and see what pops up. Be sure to search both "vise" and "vice"... some people use the latter, I found a Reed 4C listed as a "vice"...

gregthor · Dec 31, 2013

Dear Friends at GJ,
Happy New Year!!
I saw this lonely black Wilton at an auction all by itself on a skid with Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline & Johnny Cash albums & some other stuff. Well I had to do the right thing and not let that poor lonely Wilton not feel any love so I bid on the skid and won it. Ok now I know most of you have all seen a bazillion Wiltons before, but there are always new people and lots of them reading this thread so at the risk of being boring I am posting this one anyways.
Here it is at the auction

After disassembly I needed to buy a few new parts: I got the jaws from KMScott, the inner ring from EWS Welding supply and the carriage bolts from local hardware.

I will skip all the restoration details since there are already several good ones posted on GJ. Overall this is a really good vise. Well used, but not abused. The handle was not bent but it looks like a chipmunk nibbled on it. Some body hit that handle a lot. Never bent it, but sure did tap on it. It is a 1973 date stamped on key. It took one .071 shim to take out the backlash. I found a machine bushing at the hardware that fit perfect. Backlash is less than 90 degrees.

Add my name to list of people who think KMScotts makes terrific jaws!
I wish it had less battle scars on the main shaft but it is a tool to be used.

Take Care,
Greg

ps Clearly this Wilton was a country fan, so I have been trying to tune in more country music so it feels loved, do you think it will get upset if I play oldies once in a while in the shop??

toomanytoyzz · Dec 31, 2013

gregthor said:
ps Clearly this Wilton was a country fan, so I have been trying to tune in more country music so it feels loved, do you think it will get upset if I play oldies once in a while in the shop??

Should be fine, but I'd steer clear of rap

. It is a "bullet" vise.

Nice resto :thumbup:

!!

oldldh · Dec 31, 2013

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba...

jrsmyd · Jan 1, 2014

I promise myself I will own a vintage wilton bullet one day.

Nice resto gregthor. :thumbup:

454ragtop · Jan 1, 2014

Nice job on the Wilton Greg. You might consider wire wheeling the OEM carriage bolts and reusing them, since they can't be seen. I suspect they are a better grade of bolt than hardware store carriage bolts, which tend to be low strength, grade 2 or worse.
Jim

ritzblitz · Jan 1, 2014

Hey Greg,

Nice resto, I agree the handle is a little chewed up. If you're interested I can make you a nice fresh one to go with those jaws. I've made two so far for my vises that needed handles. It's the type of thing I could ship you and you can easily install yourself. Let me know if you are interested in a handle.

This goes for other guys too.

Here's an example, sorry it's crooked

drivesitfar · Jan 1, 2014

I thought i'd post a picture of the awesome handles you are offering up to the members. not sure if rules permit you to post a price shipped to anywhere in the US, but they look great if I needed one. :thumbup:

ritzblitz · Jan 1, 2014

Thanks! Yeah I didn't want to break any rules, just throwing the idea out there.

drivesitfar · Jan 1, 2014

I wasn't looking for this when I stopped to buy a grinder, but it called my name and it seemed like I needed to own it and give it some new life. sorry for the dark and blurry pictures but it is raining here in Seattle again.

any help with ID(ing) this vise or if there is anything I need to know about taking it apart, cleaning it, lubing it and putting a new coat of paint on it is always appreciated. I think there is more grease on the outside of this vise than there is on the screw currently.

PghJKB · Jan 2, 2014

Happy New Year Fellow Vise-Folks
My first score of Two Zero One Four:
From a CL curb alert for a some scrap and a broken vice 30 lb. in a neighborhood where most of the houses are well over 100 years old, an Erie 103 1/2. Had this guy in my hands before 6:00 AM :shocking:

- early to bed, early to rise ...

Checked around, have not found another one in GJ or Dayids (anyone have any juice with Dayids - I would love to help with his database)

The weight is 28 lbs, more or less. And the damage, check out the third image - a broken screw

. The nuts is loose but seems to be OK.

I have a couple of organ donors in mind, so I will be going through the triage area later on.

Perrorojo · Jan 2, 2014

PghJKB said:
Happy New Year Fellow Vise-Folks
My first score of Two Zero One Four:
From a CL curb alert for a some scrap and a broken vice 30 lb. in a neighborhood where most of the houses are well over 100 years old, an Erie 103 1/2. Had this guy in my hands before 6:00 AM - early to bed, early to rise ...

Checked around, have not found another one in GJ or Dayids (anyone have any juice with Dayids - I would love to help with his database)

The weight is 28 lbs, more or less. And the damage, check out the third image - a broken screw. The nuts is loose but seems to be OK.

I have a couple of organ donors in mind, so I will be going through the triage area later on.

I have an Erie 103-1/2 with a good good screw and broken static jaw that was broken in half. I've been toying with the idea of trying to weld it back together.

wrenchguy · Jan 2, 2014

RE: 1 4 big caddy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=161186493293&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

reed 7 1/4"?? 200.00 obo according to description.

larry4406 · Jan 2, 2014

Ok, I'll play too. Columbian D44 that I found on Craigslist for $40 a year or so ago. I was completely happy with it the way it was, but then this site's Vise thread got to me, so I had to make an electrolysis vat, clean it up, and paint it. Rustoleum rattle can paint.

The vise mounts to a custom cut base plate which is welded to a tube steel which then mates with the receivers on the bench.

drivesitfar · Jan 2, 2014

Larry,
the mount you built to attach to your bench is nearly as impressive as your restoration. now that you painted it red it matches that train of tool boxes you have in your garage. Nice :thumbup:

BFBOB · Jan 2, 2014

If the leadscrew has some reasonably standard thread, you can get threaded stock at McMaster Carr. I know they have Acme, maybe square too.- can't quite tell which yours it.

PghJKB said:
Happy New Year Fellow Vise-Folks
My first score of Two Zero One Four:
From a CL curb alert for a some scrap and a broken vice 30 lb. in a neighborhood where most of the houses are well over 100 years old, an Erie 103 1/2. Had this guy in my hands before 6:00 AM - early to bed, early to rise ...

Checked around, have not found another one in GJ or Dayids (anyone have any juice with Dayids - I would love to help with his database)

The weight is 28 lbs, more or less. And the damage, check out the third image - a broken screw. The nuts is loose but seems to be OK.

I have a couple of organ donors in mind, so I will be going through the triage area later on.

PghJKB · Jan 2, 2014

perrorojo
Somebody must have really loved your 103 1/2 or it is one hell of an example of depression era American ingenuity.
I would be tempted to leave it be (which for some reason never works out).

bfbob
As soon as I find my thread gages I will check with McMaster

JKB

Jawn · Jan 2, 2014

Snagged this 3 1/2" Craftsman at a flea market in NC a couple days ago. It appears to be a good bit more substantial than the 3 1/2" Columbian I have. Already have it apart for cleaning / painting. Paid $20 for it.

One problem though... I can't get the jaw screws out. They smooshed like putty when I tried an impact driver.

BFBOB · Jan 2, 2014

PghJKB said:
perrorojo
Somebody must have really loved your 103 1/2 or it is one hell of an example of depression era American ingenuity.
I would be tempted to leave it be (which for some reason never works out).

bfbob
As soon as I find my thread gages I will check with McMaster

JKB

Thread gauge?? On that??? A yardstick would do! Maybe just pace it off! :bounce:

Gary Indiana · Jan 2, 2014

My New Year started happily, boys and girls!

This below was the only picture on today's Chicago Craigslist. Asking price was $40. No other pics, details or brand given in the seller's description.

BUT… Thanks to THIS thread, the silhouette alone in this picture made me confident to drive and pick it up without asking any further questions.

Yes! It's a lovely (other than can-sprayed black) Tradesman 1750. The only thing missing is the end cup, which I plan to make out of a small stainless ladle.

EOC_Jason · Jan 3, 2014

Gary Indiana said:
Yes! It's a lovely (other than can-sprayed black) Tradesman 1750. The only thing missing is the end cup, which I plan to make out of a small stainless ladle.

Or you can get a freeze plug from your local auto parts store if you are lazy.

Good find! I hope you plan on re-painting it the hammered blue or verde green to bring it back to its original color.

Perrorojo · Jan 3, 2014

PghJKB said:
perrorojo
Somebody must have really loved your 103 1/2 or it is one hell of an example of depression era American ingenuity.
I would be tempted to leave it be (which for some reason never works out).

bfbob
As soon as I find my thread gages I will check with McMaster

JKB

Unfortunately, the jaws weren't lining up. I have it apart now getting prepped to try and weld.

I have also wanted to try this: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64317

bl00 · Jan 3, 2014

KMScott said:
Balane
The one thing I notice about Rock Islands is that the casting cuts like cast iron not cast steel. Maybe just the one I was working on, seems like it chipped real easy.

A 1941 ad said the castings were Rimcoloy. I couldn't find any more info on what Rimcoloy was.

EOC_Jason · Jan 3, 2014

Maybe it's short for something like Rock Island Metal Alloy? Just their own special blend?

bl00 · Jan 3, 2014

That would make sense since it's capitalized and they used to call themselves RIMCO (Rock Island Mfg Co) in some ads.

KMScott · Jan 3, 2014

bl00 said:
A 1941 ad said the castings were Rimcoloy. I couldn't find any more info on what Rimcoloy was.

I still think it is a form of Meehanite cast iron http://www.meehanitemetal.com/htmlpages/whats_diff.html It sure machines like it, taps and drills the same. Meehanite in my trade is used for stable angle plates and square blocks. I have machined several and after machining on my Rock Island 594 the chips and machining feel is very similiar.

90zcar · Jan 3, 2014

Here's a pic of my vise I found from last year sometime

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1388786312.732651.jpg

Around July of last year I did a new steel workbench and wanted my vise to look a little better so I took it apart and wire wheeled/stripped it
Used krylon industrial enamel that I found at my local airgas welding store. I don't know what kind of vise it is but I squired it years and years ago when my stepfather passed. He had it since the early 90's. It's a 5" jaw

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1388786899.316808.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

KMScott · Jan 3, 2014

I have a opportunity to pick up this Prentiss vise. I looks like the screw was repaired with a pin through the spindle. Would Prentiss add a pin at the factory? It would make the spindle weaker but easier to fabricate. This one looks repaired to me. The tapered pin was hammered in to place to on the swivel jaw. I think it might be worth salvaging, or for parts. I wish it had the swivel base. Jaws are 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 so it might be a #21. Any thoughts?

EOC_Jason · Jan 3, 2014

KMScott said:
I have a opportunity to pick up this Prentiss vise. I looks like the screw was repaired with a pin through the spindle. Would Prentiss add a pin at the factory? It would make the spindle weaker but easier to fabricate. This one looks repaired to me. The tapered pin was hammered in to place to on the swivel jaw. I think it might be worth salvaging, or for parts. I wish it had the swivel base. Jaws are 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 so it might be a #21. Any thoughts?

I've never seen them with the pin, that is probably a home-remedy. You could probably just weld it then grind it flush. The screw itself looks original.

If you remove the dynamic jaw out all the way, you might be able to tap that pin out from the inside. The hole should go all the way through the top part. Or since it looks like a piece of pipe or something, maybe you can grab it with a large ez-out?

ChevyFish · Jan 3, 2014

New here, I've picked up a few vintage vises lately and looking for information on them and found this great forum and thread.

I have 4 in total, Columbian 5 1/2, Chas Parker 22x, Morgan 140 and now a Morgan 160. They are all in very good working condition. I'm trying to find out the age of the Morgan 160. It is a Chicago vise and quite heavy. I will post pictures soon. But any info on the 160 would be appreciated.

Gary Indiana · Jan 3, 2014

EOC_Jason said:
you can get a freeze plug from your local auto parts store

Thanks for the great idea, Jason! That's what I did.

Anyone looking for replacement end cup for a Wilton 1750, a GM freeze plug Dorman 555-110 fits like a glove. It cost me 69 cents at nearby O'Reilly Auto Parts. The kids there were very helpful finding the right size for me.

My $40 Wilton Tradesman 1750 will be cleaned, repainted stock color and greased when it's warmer outside.

Here she is, my best spent $40 this year, so far.

Date code is January 1982

GM freeze cup for 69 cents fits perfectly

drivesitfar · Jan 3, 2014

thanks for the pictures and information on which size freeze plug because those dust covers tend to get hammered or lost. I saw another member started a thread not too long ago making a dust cover out of a chain link fence cap. in any case very impressive you bought a nice Wilton for $40.69 that also included the bolts to put in on your bench.

:thumbup:

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